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Reputations on the line at Vincennes

04 January 2018

A trio of Group II races graces Vincennes over the weekend with a host of top-class trotters in action.

First up, on Saturday, is the Prix Léon Tacquet monté event for five year-olds which will see dual Group 1 winner, Dragon Du Fresne, return to his preferred trip of 2175m and attempt to make amends for his sanction in the G.II Prix Emile Riotteau over the classic distance on Christmas eve. He will be opposed by Dragon D’Avrilwho finished third that day, Daytona Jetwho steps up in class, and Jean Michel Bazire’s Dayana Berrywho has not been seen under the saddle since March 2016.

On Sunday, Bellissima Francewill vie to get back on track ahead of her bid to secure a second Prix du Cornulier in three weeks time. She faces a dozen others in the 2850m Prix du Calvados, and trainer-jockey Matthieu Abrivard can legitimately fear Traderswho is unbeaten from two in this code, and even though Philippe Allaire’s charge has already qualified for the Cornulier, he is still expected to give his best. Bilibiliand Prix Jules Lemonnier winner, Athena De Vandel, are others in contention.

The 2175m Prix de Tonnac-Villeneuve harness contest has drawn just nine four year-old colts and fillies but looks set to be a thrilling race. Erminig D’Oliverie, who has won all three since her return to competition, latterly the G.I Critérium des 3 Ans, will once again face Eridan who lost the race due to stride irregularities, and Ecu Pierji who picked up second as a result. All three will be unshod to some degree and each one has a legitimate chance of bringing home the spoils. Enino Du Pommereux, Elite Du Rueland Easy Des Racques can also get a look in.